This week, the Seahawks' head coach provided a largely unknown fun fact from his well-documented history with Harbaugh.

In 2006, Harbaugh, then at the University of San Diego, recruited Nate Carroll, who played quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back at Palos Verdes Peninsula High while his dad was the head coach at USC. Nate, 26, is now a Seahawks offensive assistant.

"He did recruit my son ...," Carroll told the Seattle media. "I wasn't there for the home visit, though. Glena (his wife) took that one."

Carroll said he didn't speak with Nate about possibly attending USD. His younger son was ready to become a backup quarterback for the Trojans.

"I didn't get that far," Carroll said. "He was going to USC."

The NFC Championship Game on Sunday will mark the 10th meeting between teams coached by Harbaugh and Carroll. Harbaugh had a 2-1 record against Carroll-coached USC teams when he was at Stanford. In the NFL, Harbaugh is 4-2 against Carroll.

Harbaugh and Carroll have thrown out verbal bouquets when asked about the other this week. Asked about the qualities of Carroll's teams, Harbaugh hailed their competitiveness, execution and preparation. Carroll said he admired Harbaugh's "core principles," which he shares.

Injury report: Cornerback Carlos Rogerspracticed on a limited basis for the first time since he injured a hamstring in the regular-season finale Dec. 29.

Including the playoffs, Rogers started 53 straight games with the 49ers before his injury, but Harbaugh suggested his role Sunday was up in the air, assuming he'll be healthy enough to play.

"There is a subset of questions other than the question, 'Will Carlos start if he's ready to play?' " Harbaugh said. "In terms of do you come back at a 100 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, that'll all be determined out on the practice field. Those ... questions will be answered out there."

In other injury news, outside linebacker Ahmad Brooksdid not practice because of an illness and fullback Will Tukuafu (knee) was limited. Center Jonathan Goodwin(foot) and defensive linemen Demarcus Dobbs(knee, shoulder) and Justin Smith(shoulder) also sat out, but all are expected to play Sunday.

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree, who injured his shoulder on the 49ers' first drive in Sunday's win at Carolina, was a full participant in practice and was listed with only a wrist injury.